Is it normal to feel like this!!!

[breezy]

I find it harder to get motivated in the cold dark months, it gets easier in the summer for me! Getting out and about to groups helps a lot otherwise it can be a very lonely job and you get stuck with the loonies on here

[Vickster]

It is hard. you work your butt off and you get no feedback, that is why this forum is great. I am not in a support group, but kept in touch with a girl from my course and there is another childminder at my sons school who is lovely, so I try and hook up with them.

[Newbie1!]

Thank you all so much guys, I truly appreciate your ongoing help and support xxxxx

[Bridey]

All the above advice is good. Another thing I have found that has helped me the most over the years was to find a social hobby/interest that was completely unconnected with children! It gave me something to look forward to that took me away from being minder/mum. I know its hard when you have young children of your own but maybe you can snatch one evening a week to yourself to join a class or a club?

[donnamarie2]

Please can someone tell me whether its normal to feel so sad/miserable/depressed, in your first few months!! I had all but decided today that I was throwing the towel in with one thing and another (late paying parents, mindee from hell, snotty mindees relatives, etc etc). Hubby has told me to think about it til a better day but I just feel so deflated. I cant get any mindees, were struggling for money, and because of this I cant invest in any decent toys, equipment, advertising etc and Im stuck in a vicious circle. I feel left out at the CM networking as they all stick together and I end up sat on the sidelines all the times so dont go much now...the list goes on!!

I love being at home with my daughter but cant see light at the end of the tunnel and wondered if anyone else felt this way when they were Newbie too! xxx

Hi,I totally know how you feel despite all my best efforts with advertising and being know by school , local childminders etc i only have 1 before and after schoolie and can count on 1 hand the number of enquiries ive had !!
I know the service i'm offering is good , price competitive , nice setting etc so am sure my time will come and yours will too!!
An inspector phoned me yesterday to book my grading inspection but is trying again in 3 months due to my lack of children , she did say it is the hardest time starting out and not to worry!!